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PROJECT PM WATERLILY

Innovative. Avant-garde. Distinctive. Sophisticated. This is Patricia Michaels. A Native American fashion and textile designer, native of Taos Pueblo and creator of PM Waterlily, a thoroughly modern, beautifully original fashion design company. From New York City and her home in Taos, New Mexico, she produces custom tailored garments, high-end limited edition apparel and casual ready-to-wear lines for men and women, incorporating artistic hand-dyed fabrics.

THE REALITY (TV):

Winning runner-up on the popular Lifetime reality series "PROJECT RUNWAY" Season 11, was the chance of a lifetime opportunity. The experience was invaluable, the exposure was priceless, the accomplishment of being the first Native American Designer to appear on the show was history making, but there was no consolation prize. The monetary compensation for appearing on the show and coming in second place was $0. This is where I need your help!

"MAKE IT WORK!"

This truly is a make it work moment for me, my PM Waterlily Label, and my team. The goal of raising $49,000 will be used as the seed money to help allow my company to blossom. So much goes into production, manufacturing and putting on a runway show, and this amount will just begin to cover an extremely expensive endeavor. The plan is in place, all I need is your cooperation. This next collection is crucial to the growth and future of PMW. $49K in 49 days seems like an incredible request, but we feel that if Indian Country gets involved, Project Runway fans get the word out and PM Waterlily clients continue to support us, we can achieve this together. To Natives, a "49" is a celebration or impromptu party after a gathering or powwow, it is spread word of mouth and usually spontaneous in spirit. We intend to throw fundraising events throughout the campaign to share in the experience and bring the community together. Be part of history!

PLANT THE SEEDS

If I could persuade all of my family, friends and fans to generously contribute $1 - $5 to this Project PM Waterlily Campaign, we could make this dream a reality. Please do what you can to spread the word; share this -http://igg.me/at/pmwaterlily/x/3944590 link on all your favorite social media outlets, tell 5 friends, use the indiegogo share tools, give what you can. Your support and energy are essential in making this crowdfunding campaign successful!

THE COLLECTION

The PM Waterlily Label is constantly evolving while maintaining the original essence of what makes it so unique. This new collection is once again eco-friendly, in tune with Mother Earth, inspired by and conscience of protecting it. We are entrusted to take care of the environment for future generations, and this is the central driving force behind the PMW design process; from the fabrication, to algae plant-based dyes, locally sourced fibers. The textile printing and hand-painted methods, cuts of material, draping, and minimal machine work, all contribute to reducing waste and creating a sense of balance. This ready-to-wear line will have a more structured silhouette, lots of mix and match pieces in a variety of fabrics that will take you from day to evening wear, and affordable pricing. The majority of the garments will range from $50-$350. Of course there will be some of the luxe, avant-garde showstoppers, but all of these pieces are designed to flatter each other, offer effortless elegance and compliment your style personality. Feel free to dress it up or down, layer or go for a relaxed minimalistic look.

INTRODUCTION

My given Taos Pueblo name is Waterlily. For my people, from murky waters, a Waterlily survives. This reflects my life view which is one that embraces endurance. My idea of “green” is really blue. Water can be wild; it can be gentle. Water is not life-giving; it is life itself. My clothing designs are timeless and fluid, capturing this dual nature of water.

I create highly individualized pieces that are elegant, sophisticated and organic by fusing my own aesthetic with indigenous and European perspectives.

The detail of every garment, from hand-painted silk feathers, and meshed leather to textures that echo the natural world, I evoke my own history and culture as part of a larger timeless narrative.

Each design tells a story. Just as a river is pierced by a tree branch, time is momentarily anchored within the garment. Each piece is created, is worn, and continues to create fresh new meanings into the future. Every person brings his or her own sense of self into the narrative and enriches the meaning. In this way, we might defy the consumerist sense of fashion as something we can put on, take off, and casually cast aside.

HERSTORY

As the first Native American to appear on Project Runway, it was my mission to ensure that our history and culture are seen through my designs, infusing them with elements from the world around us. Though my aesthetic is not present in the mainstream media, I do want to change the way Native Americans are perceived and portrayed. More than anything I want to be a successful contemporary fashion and textile designer.

I auditioned in 2012 for Project Runway’s Season 11 at the encouragement of the show’s producers who were familiar with my work. After hundreds of questions, essays and photo submissions, I was selected as one of 16 fashion designers from across the United States and abroad, competing for the top spot on the Lifetime hit show that debuted on January 24th, 2013.

My original perspective and talent for textile manipulation, made me a stand out in the competition. No one was doing what I was doing, at times it wasn’t understood or accepted. My designs are abstract, not literal, because they are interpretations. All of my garments have meaning behind them; they come from a very old culture but I bring them into a very contemporary realm. The ability to create a garment from the draping and patterning to the fabrication and design, carried me through the season and in the end helped me claim the runner-up title. The advice and guidance from the Judges; Heidi Klum, Zac Posen, Nina Garcia, Michael Kors and mentor, Tim Gunn, were invaluable to me and I will be forever grateful for the experience. I wanted to represent our People well, to show off the beauty and talents we have to offer without forgetting who I am and where I come from. I believe I achieved this and hope to continue to make my family, friends, Pueblo, all Native Tribes and people at large around me proud, with a strong voice and an honest dialogue of what we believe in.

EMERGENCE & BLOOM

Our Project PM Waterlily: Funding Fashion Week Plan is to pull enough resources to execute, produce and manufacture the next collection(s) for Fashion Week. Our goal is to raise a total of $49K. Plans are already set in place to be a presence during both Santa Fe Fashion Week in Oct. 2013 and NYFW in 2014, displaying our Spring & Fall Collections. This incredible task takes a lot of work from many people and this is where we need your assistance. You, our contributors, are seen as investors. We want to provide only the best ready-to-wear garments, accessories and art merchandise possible. In order to maintain this high level of quality and unique vision, we are forced to expand the company. This growth will be initiated in hiring new staff, training interns, paying photographers, purchasing new up to date equipment, employing the latest textile and fabric design technology, raising funds for full-time PR representation, allotting monies for business related transportation needs, travel, lodging, marketing, social media presence, advertisement, webpage maintenance, textile development, printing options, seamstresses, pattern makers, new bust forms, sewing machines, keeping up with the costs of running the studio, attaining a reserve for models, hair/makeup and so much more. If you believe in this dream as we do, please consider donating to this campaign.

PM WATERLILY IS INTERNATIONAL

Without funding, PM Waterlily has already attained a global presence. But with your contribution, we can take this company to the next level. I feel that this a huge turning point in my career, and now is the time to put all of my years of hard work, experience and know-how to good use. To give a brief history of what is possible, I've jotted down some of my adventures, travels and accomplishments -

My memories of playing among giant stacks of Navajo rugs in my mother’s gallery in Santa Fe, were actually the first contact and connection I had with the rich, brilliant heritage of Native American textiles. Following my desire to create fabric and textile art, I was drawn to the world of couture fashion. My career spans almost 30 years, starting with the Institute of American Indian Arts, where I studied graphic design, jewelry and traditional techniques. This experience led to an internship with the Santa Fe Opera working in the Wardrobe Department. Later while attending The Chicago Art Institute, I worked at the Field Museum and an art gallery. A passion for tailoring, design and craftsmanship brought me to Milan, Italy, where I apprenticed with Tailor Bruno. In Italy, fashion is considered an art form unto itself and honing one’s craft is highly respected. I standby and share this belief to this very day, fashion is art!

My next move was to the “Fashion Capitol of the World”, New York City. I applied my knowledge of art, fashion, and textile design to create some of my first samples and collaborations with Cindy Mak, who was located in the heart of the garment district. This relationship produced my first collection that was showcased at Fashion Week. With the help of “UNRESERVED” American Indian Arts & Fashion Alliance, I became the first and only Native Fashion Label to show at the prestigious New York Fashion Week at Bryant Park. Project Runway presented me with the opportunity to accomplish another unprecedented feat; first Native American Designer to participate in Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week in The Tents at Lincoln Center.

Other career highs include working with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as the assistant director for two international cultural exchange shows that promoted Native American and South African fashion designers and artists. I showed in both the Santa Fe Indian Market cultural fashion show and the Johannesburg, South African runway show. I was also selected as a featured artist for the Aboriginal Awards Festival and showed at Toronto Fashion Week. After launching my first line of eco-friendly clothing at BODY of Santa Fe and being part of the “Art To Wear” exhibit at the Wheelwright Museum, I was asked to participate in New Zealand’s world-renown Maori Art Market Fashion Show in Wellington, NZ. Upon returning to New Mexico, I was chosen as one of the featured Native American Designers at Buffalo Thunder Resort’s first annual fashion event which later became Santa Fe Fashion Week. SWAIA’s Annual Indian Market then awarded me with several prestigious awards including Best of Classification in Textiles (a unanimous vote; an unbelievable first for a modern garment or textile) a First Place in Garments and First Place in Contemporary Fashion & Accessories. Recently, I was honored to be named as one of the “Remarkable Women of Taos” and received a Letter of Recognition of Accomplishments from the New Mexico State Senator’s Office.

All of this happened because others believed in me and my vision. It is just the beginning and more is just around the corner. By giving to this campaign you will be reserving a spot for a Native American perspective in the mainstream fashion world and create future opportunities for upcoming NA Designers. You will also ensure the continuum of a rich culture, beliefs and art through your generous act of donating.

SEEDS

Where exactly will the funds go? Well, here is a breakdown of our current and most immediate needs:

Production – Keeping up with current and future orders, muslins, samples, patterns, manufacturing capabilities, etc.

Venue / Permits / Licenses / Insurance – A New York location for the runway show. Certain options are available, though a prime position is important. A contribution of a gallery space, store, warehouse, club, hotel, loft, penthouse or a unique venue in lieu of a financial donation would be greatly appreciated. Also needed, space for a possible reception/ meet & greet with press, clientele, investors before the show, after party & Buyers follow-up meetings.

Stage / Lighting – A professional team to set up and design the backdrop, backstage area, runway, seating and lighting.

Incentives – Money to cover the costs of offered incentives that include airfare, food, lodging, materials, studio time, fundraising event related costs, promotional material, product and shipping. Please take a look at our Indiegogo "Gallery" tab. We will have pictures of some of the offered incentives here.

LEGAL

(Accountability) - Estimated shipment dates are posted with item(s). Due to the nature of these handmade products, slight variations will occur which make each garment or accessory unique. We will directly contact you if there are any changes or unavailability of promised item. A comparable item, package or experience will be offered in compensation if the need arises. All dates are subject to the PMW schedule and availability. Airfare and accomidations are not included unless otherwise noted.

THE PMW IMPACT

What I understand is that tradition and modernity combined, can move forward the dynamic and creative cultures of Native Peoples. As far as my creative process is concerned, I realize that I don’t own traditional culture; I am just fortunate enough to participate in it. The pure enjoyment and love I feel through my participation – combined with my global travels – has helped me create the different forms, shapes, cuts, textures, and subtle imagery of my designs. My commitment to both fashion and heritage has led me to walk many creative paths. I want you to join me on this continued journey.

By sharing this information and campaign address with your family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, on social networking sites, blogs, forums, and at similar events or community gatherings, you can be one of the seeds that help grow this new company. Any contribution is appreciated, even as small as one dollar, because it all adds up in the end. A great many people together with a united goal can make any dream possible. All of the milestones that I’ve experience in last few years were not achieved on my own. I had a group of people who believed in my work, collaborated with me, donated their time and resources and now you can be acknowledged as part of my team.

Since I was young, I was told that when we leave our village, we represent our people so when we return home we should make them proud. I was taught by the women in my family to walk in grace and that the women from Taos Pueblo are strong but gentle – we have nothing to prove, just that we take care of our family, ourselves, and our culture. This dream is my way of giving back to the community, to give a voice to my People. I have always aimed to raise awareness for NA Causes, Schools. Scholarships & Non-Profits. I have donated my time, energy and clothing to help benefit at-risk youth, NA Organizations and Art Programs. My ultimate hope is that I will be able to open doors for other aspiring designers and artists, give them as sense of confidence and have our shared legacy live on.

THE NEAR FUTURE

Some of the amazing opportunities that have been presented to us are confidential, but we will share them with you when the time is right. You can keep up with all our events, collaborations, and purchase PMW originals by visiting the PM Waterlily website –

Flexible FundingThis campaign has ended and will receive all funds raised.

Campaign Closed

This campaign ended on September 4, 2013

Select a Perk

$1USD

SEEDS

A BIG heartfelt THANK YOU! Every dollar counts, and we appreciate anything you can spare for the sake of fashion. From Patricia and the entire PM Waterlily Team, we thank you!

0
claimed

$5USD

GERMINATE

A hand written, signed postcard invite to an upcoming show from Patricia Michaels.

3
claimed

$10USD

SPROUT

V.I.P. Complementary Admission to one of the Indiegogo Fundraising Events, a hand written, and signed postcard invite to an upcoming show from Patricia Michaels. See guest list at venue to claim incentives. Check the "Coming Up" Events at the bottom of page for more details. It will be updated throughout the campaign (New Mexico Area Only).

4
claimed

$15USD

SEEDLINGS

Personal shout out and thank you on the Official Patricia Michaels / PM Waterlily Facebook Fan Page and a hand written, signed postcard invite to an upcoming show from Patricia Michaels.

1
claimed

$20USD

GROW

Your name listed as an investor on the Official PM Waterlily Website's SPONSORS page, plus your info will be added to the PM Waterlily email and mailing lists for invites to future events.

Be our special guest with an invitation to have an exclusive dinner with Patricia and friends. We will reserve one seat for you at one of these two get-togethers, in either NM or NYC (Greater New York Area or Santa Fe, ABQ, or Taos ONLY. Date, time and location TBD with 30 days advanced notice).

1
out of 30
claimed

$250USD

HOME GROWN

An intimate lunch for you and a guest with Designer Patricia Michaels. This afternoon feast will take place at her sister's restaurant, The Adobe Café. The proud owner of this new café is Mary Esther Winters, and she is the cook who prepared Tim Gunn's home visit meal, as seen on Project Runway. The restaurant is located in the Old Village of Taos Pueblo in Taos, New Mexico. Scheduling subject to both parties' availability (Not responsible for travel and transportation costs).

3
out of 5
claimed

$300USD

SOIL (EARTH)

Patricia Michaels’ Signature Black and White Eagle Feather Scarf, hand-painted on silk organza (Shipping and Handling is included). Plus your name listed as an investor on the Official PM Waterlily Website's SPONSORS page, your info will also be added to the PM Waterlily email and mailing lists for invites to future events.

2
out of 20
claimed

Estimated delivery: December 2013

$350USD

3 SISTERS (HARVEST)

We will send you three signed, color illustrations of Patricia's favorite looks from "Project Runway". These sketches of Patricia's designs will be high quality prints, drawn and painted by In-House PMW Illustrator, Amber Gunn Gauthier.

0
out of 5
claimed

Estimated delivery: December 2013

SOLD OUT

$650USD

EMERGENCE

A "Sensual Woman" Photo Shoot by Santa Fe's BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER, Jennifer Esperanza. Exploring the beauty of the woman, this boudoir style photo session will be done on location, in the privacy of your own home. Scheduling subject to both parties' availability (NM Residents ONLY, within 100 mile radius of Santa Fe).

1
out of 1
claimed

$1,250USD

REPRODUCTION

An original PM Waterlily Black Felted Wool Circle Coat with 3/4 length sleeves and an Organic Shape Belt in White Leather from the new collection (Shipping and Handling is included).

0
out of 10
claimed

Estimated delivery: December 2013

$2,500USD

OFFSPRING

Two V.I.P. tickets to the next runway show, prime seating, backstage access (date, time and location TBD with 30 days advanced notice). Logo and/or name on the PM Waterlily Website's welcome page as an Official Sponsor and your name listed as an investor on the PMW Website's SPONSORS page, plus your info will be added to the PM Waterlily email and mailing lists for invites to future events.

0
out of 5
claimed

$5,000USD

LIFE CYCLE

We will fly you and a guest to New Mexico for a one night, two day stay in Patricia's Taos Studio; learn her techniques, tour the pueblo, eat the exact pueblo meal that Tim Gunn ate (as seen on Project Runway) prepared by Patricia and her family, the total experience! (Subject to availability and both parties' schedule). Listed as a Sponsor.

0
out of 2
claimed

$10,000USD

FLOWERING

A PM Waterlily Garment named after you; you will receive the original garment shown on runway, plus two V.I.P. tickets to the fashion show, airfare included (date, time and location TBD with 30 days advanced notice). Listed as a Sponsor.

0
out of 2
claimed

$25,000USD

FULL BLOOM

Fly you +1 to NM for a 3 day, 2 night stay in Patricia's Taos Studio; make a PMW Eagle Feather Scarf with Patricia (yours to keep) tour the pueblo, eat the exact pueblo meal that Tim Gunn ate, a PM Waterlily Garment named after you; the original garment shown on runway, plus 2 V.I.P. tickets to the fashion show, airfare included, accommodations for 2 nights (date, time and location TBD with 30 days advanced notice). Logo and/or name listed as a Sponsor for life!